Carving the Line: A Critical Examination of Women Athletes’ Experiences of Maltreatment in Freestyle Skiing

Abstract

The purpose of this feminist narrative study was to understand the experiences of Canadian women athletes in freestyle skiing to uncover potential aspects of maltreatment in sport. Guided by Bronfenbrenner’s (1979, 1986, 1999) ecological systems theory, this research examined individual, social, organizational, and cultural level influences that contributed to the formation of maltreatment in freestyle skiing. Using critical feminist narrative inquiry, three rounds of interviews were conducted with six women freeskiing athletes. Through interpretation of the participants’ stories, five themes developed: 1) sexism: in plain sight; 2) enduring harassment and conforming to misogyny; 3) coach’s only job is technical coaching; 4) coach’s recipe for success erodes athlete agency; and 5) coaches pressuring athletes leads to injuries. These findings revealed the normalization of physical, psychological, and sexual maltreatment, neglect, bullying, and discrimination in freestyle skiing, which had profound impacts on the participants’ well-being. This study underscores the urgent need to dismantle systemic barriers, challenge harmful cultural norms in sport that contribute to maltreatment, and carve a definitive line for safe sport in freestyle skiing. By amplifying athletes’ voices and addressing the interconnected nature of individual, social, organizational, and cultural influences shaping their experiences, this research provides valuable insights into factors that contribute to abuse and the need to foster safer, more inclusive, athlete-centred sport environments that are free of abuse. This study calls for a cultural shift in freestyle skiing and beyond, where safety, equity, human rights, and well-being become foundational elements in all athletes’ journeys